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Mary Leigh Wolfe Named ABET Fellow

BLACKSBURG, Va., Jan. 6, 2010 – Mary Leigh Wolfe of Blacksburg, Va., professor of and interim department head for the Department of Biological Systems Engineering in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was inducted as 2009 ABET Fellow.

She was formally presented with the honor during the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 29.

ABET is the recognized accrediting body for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. The Fellow award recognizes individuals who have given sustained quality service to ABET-related professions, in general, and to education within the ABET disciplines.

Wolfe was recognized for her exemplary leadership as chair of the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission, as well as service to ABET through her improvement of volunteer training and criteria refinement, and for providing a model of excellence for commission editors.

Wolfe’s research focuses on hydrology, nonpoint source pollution control, geographic information systems, and water quality management. Over the course of her career, Wolfe has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s Honor Award, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Fellow Award, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Natural Resources and Environmental Management Flagship Award.

Wolfe earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Virginia Tech and went on to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. She began her career at Virginia Tech as an associate professor in 1992, and has served as the assistant department head for teaching since 2005.

Written by Liz Guinn, communications assistant in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.